Victor Wooten ’s FUNKIEST Bass Line (that you’ve NEVER heard)
Has anything funkier been written than Victor Wooten’s ‘Pretty Little Lady Groove’? Okay maybe, but just barely, right? Either way, in this video we’re delving deep into this bass line from Victor’s “Super Bass Solo Technique” video from 1994.
Brace yourselves for a masterclass in double thumb slap bass, as we break down how to get you started in the technique, and where it can lead you. Plus, grab your FREE PDF workbook, complete with bass tabs and notation.
🔥 Download your PDF Workbook → sbl.link/45cJDW8
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Video Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - The VHS (Victor Wooten - Super Bass Solo Technique)
00:51 - Pretty Little Lady Groove
01:32 - The BEST Victor Tone?
01:57 - The Tremolo
02:11 - Get Your FREE Workbook!
02:33 - Pluck Vs. Thumb
03:27 - The Breakdown (Part 1)
04:17 - Top Tip for Locking it Down! 🔒
04:53 - Up Thumb VS Down Thumb
06:37 - The Victor Train 🚂
06:16 - The Breakdown (Part 2)
09:37 - The Left Hand Slap Technique
10:07 - The Breakdown (Part 3)
11:24 - Summary
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Victor truly is the bassist's bassist. The gift that keeps on giving, and is a great person. Can never get enough of him
Absolutely dude, what a guy!
He's like a unicorn.
Love that you guys are talking about your relative comfortability with different techniques. You rarely see bassists as strong as yourselves talking about your preferred techniques, what's harder than the other, etc.
Hey, we're all about keeping it real and relatable! 🎸🎵 Sharing our experiences helps us all grow as bassists. Keep on groovin' and embracing those techniques that resonate with you. We're in this together!
That's true..
Bass Day 98 was my intro to Victor Wooten. Every bass player I knew made it a point to watch that VHS. It was amazing!
Absolute 🔥
Awesome! My intro was Bela Fleck opening for Dave Matthews Band. I was juuuust starting to learn bass. I go there to see Dave, see this banjo band come out to open, and thought: "Ugh... can we get on with the real show!" Then Vic proceeds to blow my mind for 45 minutes and comes back out to play #41 with DMB! Wild stuff!
It’s also worth pointing out some basses are easier than others. String spacing is everything
Honestly... at this point, lessons and content aside... I just love seeing these 2 hang out together.
Victor Wooten is the GOAT
Ian is a beast 🔥
🧡🧡🧡
Man, you guys both rock, but I gotta say, Ian's whole approach to demonstrating and then providing feedback while Scott is playing something is just so supportive and positive. Would love to take lessons from that dude.
Hey Mike, you rock too! Thanks for watching dude, so great to hear you're a fan of the approach! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
Dude. The tone on that WAL is unbeatable. So solid. Yeah. Wow. Best bass ever. I am owning one. Oh yes. Oh yess.
Such a BEAST!
I actually didn't know what brand it was but the sound is thick it'z got the F bass beat by far..
Agreed like it more than the F bass and I want an F bass!
You really need to do a mark king show! Get him on podcast or breakdown of his style
We would love to make that happen! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
@@devinebass pull a few strings! Would be brill if you got mark and level42s drummer to do a talk through
The first time I'd seen a whammy bar on a bass (also a Kahler) was on a yellow Guild 'Pilot' Jerry Peek was playing during a gig with the Steve Morse Band in '83, 11 years before Victor's VHS was released 😀
I've been obsessed with Vic's Pretty Little Lady Groove since I stumbled on it on youtube in like 2006, 2007.
SO Awesome! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
As soon as I saw the title I thought to myself "I wonder if it's that line from that old video I saw in 1998 and haven't gotten the groove out of my head since!" Holy crap! I can't wait to download the PDF.
The reason why Scott and Ian (and I!) think this is Vic's best recorded groove is because it *screams* of 80s R&B, music that means a lot to us folks ...born before 1990 haha.
Not going to lie...that sounds sooooo good on that Wal!!!
+1 for pulling out the VHS tape!!!
Love the tone of the Fbass, but holy cow, the Wal has the perfect balance of sweet and meat! Ian's Antiqua Jazz bass is the business, but I'm primed for his nascent Wal era.
I had just picked up this Wal in London like a day before. It’s so great. Surprisingly great actually.
You guys work so well together! Loads of fun watching you guys geek out and groove together :)
"Nothing attained without effort can ever be fully appreciated."
Love that!
Thanks, fellas. Great content. Special bonus: that Wal tone is top notch.
After watching you two double thumbing with your fingers curled up I was very interested to see Victor doing it with his fingers extended. That's the way I play and, having learned from you two, I thought I was doing it wrong. As you two have said many times, 'do what works for you'.
Absolutely right, everyone has their own unique approach and comfort zone when it comes to playing bass. It's all about finding what feels natural and allows you to create your own signature groove. Keep on playing your way! 🎸🎶
Thank you Scott and Ian for your constant lessons and for bringing new groovy basslines to my ears that I have never even known about before. I credit you (or blame you) for giving me the idea of pulling the frets from my Jazz neck like Jaco and installing a whammy bar on my bass like Victor. Better yet, I will build my own bass and install a fretless neck with fret position markers and look up a whammy bar to install on it as well. Be blessed, sirs!
Hey Andrew! 🎸🎶 We're thrilled to inspire your bass journey and creative ideas. Your plans for that unique custom bass sound amazing! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
Hi Scott, I've been watching you for several years, never had any issues with past information/lessons etc. But ,I do believe the two of you complement each other and go to a different level when you are together. Much more engaging, entertaining and more realistic between the teacher and student scenario.
you two are the real mvp, thanks for making bass accessible to us
Okay, here I am again commenting... you guys are bringing back all my early bass influences! Back in the day (like six years after this video was released), the Wooten Brothers played live every Wednesday night at a little bar in Nashville called 3rd and Lindsley... for a $4 cover!!! We went there every Wednesday for about three years... Victor almost never made it, because he was big time (Bela Fleck, solo career, etc), but Regi and Rudi were always there. Joe was there if he wasn't on the road with Steve Miller. And, almost as infrequently as Vic, Roy (Future Man) would show up and sit in on kit! Other monster bassists like John Billings, Keith Horne, Paul Chapman were always playing with them, and they'd do stuff just like this video along with 70's funk staples (Brick House, Skin Tight, Mister Magic, etc) at double the BPM and then solo over those tunes! Also, thump off's every Wednesday - Regi vs. whatever bassist was on that night! Wild stuff... this brings back memories. I, too, had this VHS! 😎
Great just watching you two interact, then the sound WOW. Mind blowing!!!
So great to hear dude! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Hello Twins! The sound of you two playing together is like a super-chorus pedal. And then when you go in different directions - wow! It does make me think that (if no-one's done it yet) that a chorus pedal with an ability to adjust the tone of the chorus line would be great. It reminds me that I thought of something like this before - putting the two outs of a chorus pedal through quite different amps. Does anyone do this?
Hey there! 🎸🎶 Loving the analogy - we're all about creating unique vibes. And hey, experimenting with chorus and amps can lead to some seriously cool sounds. Keep rockin' those creative ideas! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
Victor wooten was the guy i first heard about back in high school (2014) that got me to save up and buy my own bass a few years later. Loved it and haven't touched another instrument since. 😂 still got a bit of practice to do before i can slap like him though 🇯🇲
That's so awesome dude! Don't worry, I think we all strive to get even close to Victor's slap chops! 🥩
This is great Scott, to see you two in a lesson-style session, and to see how you learn yourself. Awesome
The dynamic duo is back
🧡🧡🧡
Bro when I was finally allowed on the computer as a kid, I stumbled upon all these vids and studied em like my life depended on it. Used to jam to the whole Super Bass Solo Technique, Modern Electric Bass, Flea Master Sessions, all that stuff all the time.
That Wal is incredible 🤤
A beauty right?
Caras, vocês são demais! Não perco um vídeo há anos. Com a chegada do Ian fiquei mais fã ainda (como se fosse possível). Parabéns dupla dinâmica!!! Saudações do Brasil.
Another good one ! Thanks guys, love you
you guys are awesome..really dig the breakdown of yall showing us how to do this..Victor Wooten is a Bass God..that said I can never read music..I learn by ear and visual movement, yet this up and down thumb technique is hard...im still trying to master slap and im fairly decent just gotta keep at it. thanks again guys! yall becoming legends!
It‘s great fun to watch you guys having even more great fun!! 🤩 What a groove!
Thanks for checking out the video dude!
OMG 🤯 !!! I've also been fantasizing about this track since the first time I heard it 15 years ago 🤣 !!!
Great vid! That groove has been haunting, and eluding, me for a long, long time. I can't wait to grab my bass and get to work on it!
Get after it Rom!
You guys are awesome 👍👍
Dayuum!! You guys are killing it! This is so groovy. 🤘🤘
🕺🕺🕺
Is it weird that I keep watching your channel and checking out your lessons... as a guitar player? Learning some sick solo lines and funky grooves, aaaaand now I'm looking at basses on reverb
You guys are Awesome!
Fantastic video! Brings my double thump technique to a new level! Thank you guys!
So great to hear dude! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
You guys are amazing. Scott, that F bass in your hands.....whew! You and Etienne Mbappe just make those basses sing. They sure don't sound like that in my hands....wah! Very fun video - thank you!
I just want to take a moment to say not only is this a kickass video, but it's VERY kickass that dude on the right is wearing a Marvelous 3 T-shirt under his jacket! Gonna have to dive deeper into the channel now, but I'm intrigued!
This is some sick stuff! I love it!!
Yes dude! 🧡
I love that you guys can play, and are still fans. I am fas of you guys. 👍🏽💯👊🏽
Amazing, great video guys. I concur, his tone back then was the best. I have the same VHS from back in the day. As always Victor's sound, feel and articulation is untouchable. You can play note by note the same thing but it won't sound as good, not even close. Same with all the greats, go check some pianist play transcriptions of Chick Corea, it looses half of the "power", same thing here is HOW you play more than WHAT you play!
Absolutely nailed it! 🎸🎶 Victor's timeless magic is all in the touch, feel, and groove he brings to every note. Keep rockin' your unique style dude! 🙌🏻
I can almost play this now but I need to keep practicing this, like Scott i did that down thumb thing so much.
Be Kind - Rewind! Awesome stuff! Thanks!!!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I’m gonna agree with Scott on Vic’s sound. This was definitely the top of it. I had this video in the late 90s, and I pretty much went for a hybrid slap sound between him and Marcus. One of the best slap tones ever. It’s pretty much perfect.
This groove changed my life in 1993! OMG
This one’s gonna be a frustrating, fun, pain in the ass 😂 Thanks for putting this one together, guys!
Scott and Ian !! i really love the totally open and honest approach to Your Videos. heartwarming and absolutely motivating. and, Yes as much as i love Victor Wooten ( do You know his great book ?) i wouldvreally love if he'd still have rhat great tone from Your clip. . . . Yours. N.B. / Vienna
Hey there! 🎸🎶 Thanks for the kind words - we're all about that open and motivating vibe. Victor Wooten's got that magic touch, and hey, it's all about the journey of evolving tones. Keep on groovin' and inspiring the bass love from Vienna!
I really enjoy this video format
So great to hear Ben, more to come!
This is great! I remember listening to that groove on Victor’s “Yin & Yang” album, such a cool song!
Damn, Ian's Bass tone is sooo satisfying!
🧡🧡🧡
That Panerai is pretty funky too, Scott.
I remember trying to learn Victor’s technique after watching ‘ You Can’t Hold No Groove’ on the ‘Bass Day 98’ tape around 2003 and I gave up. I finally got it after months of practice😅
Once again you guy's funkomotoided me!
Completely agree about Victor's tone. His tone in the earlier days is way better. These days it sounds a little dry and kind of mid-focused.
You've got a great ear for tone dynamics! 🎸🎶 Victor's earlier days had that magic, no doubt. It's all about the evolution, and we're here for the groovy journey! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
Pre-Hartke?@@devinebass
Still have it! I'm barely 42 and found this in 99. One of those things that "still trying this"
I agree about back then being "the best tone" he's ever had. It seems to me that it was the combination of his vintage '83 Fodera and Ampeg amps. Nowadays he's using the newer Fodera basses and Hartke amps which, as much as I love Hartke, just aren't in the same ballpark tone-wise like he had back in the 90's.
Still one of my favourite Wooten performances. That solo too! Love it
So awesome right?!
It's awesome to see Scott's slap skills increasing in the videos over the last months!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I was never a huge fan pf Victor's tone. But, killer technique & grooves.
This song pretty little lady and victors jam are vics best songs ever
Thank you for calling this one out! It's his best groove to me too. It's tighter than hotel sheets! Sooo good. I completely agree on the tone and everything. It's so damn thick and deep sounding. I want more sounding like this track.
Tighter than hotel sheets, LOVE THAT!
@@devinebass haha yus! Can ya'll include the link the vid on KZhead in your description? Reckon lotta people wanna watch it.
I have the VHS too ! Since it was made !
Yes dude!
Wow 🔥🔥
I still have that on VHS, but my case is solid black, not clear. I love the channel. We’re the same age and it’s cool knowing that we all found the same stuff at the same time and are STILL into it all these years later!
Hey, that's awesome - the VHS memories live on! 🎸🎶 It's a true testament to the timeless impact of music 🙌🏻🧡🔥
I remember Victor comparing his thumb to a guitar pick. A lot of Modern R&B/Gospel guys have incorporated that thump technique too especially for Minneapolis/Prince influenced funk which is the vibe Vic is going for in the “Pretty little lady” groove.
Got the that video cassette. Was my first wooten bassline learned. YES!
So sick right?!
I’m glad that around 6:10 Scott had the same reaction as me “Keep that shit going that’s nasty” That part alone is just fantastic to listen to
💯💯💯
I would gladly take a notation for his solo!
100% agree that this was the peak of his tone. It went downhill after this, and is now (for me) sometimes painfully disappointing even though I still love the lines he’s playing.
Absolutely get where you're coming from! 🎸🎵 Victor Wooten's peak tone is legendary, and we all groove to his lines. 🔥
PS.: beeing a clasically trained bassist i really love Your 2 bass approach. reminds me of a classical double bass section kinda. ( im old enough to have heard the Commodores live, playing with two drummers simultaneously !! itt was awesome !! Catty on !!
That Wal ❣️
As you were talking about the Victor Train thing around 6:10, I couldn't help hearing those up-thumb ghost notes on the offbeats and thinking of Bernard Purdie's trademark ghost notes on the snare. Same kind of vibe, giving the groove that driving momentum.
Absolutely, you've got a keen ear! 🎸🎵 Those ghost notes, whether on the bass or snare, bring that funk! 🙌🏻🧡🔥
love you guys!
I'm not even a bass player, I play electric guitar but I just watch this cause it sick.
So awesome to hear dude!
this is soooo groovy!
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Ian needs credit for being the most positive musician I have ever seen. He not only slaps the bass, he slaps anything because excitement !. Come closer Scott, slap !. I think the bass is worth learning here because this song funks and if you can do it that rocks. Ian has the actual technique for Wooten and that's like really good slap technique, that has a big impact for him right there. I wish I could do that, would be very useful for slapping, there's a good thing you can learn to level up instantly. Victor cover band, okay sure let's go !. I have still never seen a Stanley Clarke cover band !. There's still plenty of good tricks you can learn from guys like this, for sure we all can. But forever when I see someone do this trick, I will think Victor Wooten, it does not matter if it's Charles or like Ian or Derrick or whoever it is. It's the same if it's a total Larry technique, or Flea or whoever it is, Claypool. I guess that means I'm just old, probably deaf and jealous, oh well !. I try to be careful about what I copy from other people, subconsciously I guess. I still look at finger tapping as being a Eddie Van Halen thing, If I am being honest, even though he wouldn't take credit. So every time I see this, guess who I think of ?. Now, there's literally thousands of guitarists and even bassists who sound like Eddie Van Halen, to me. I still like appreciate the music, but I wonder if they know who they sound like or what. I'm not sure how far you can go with something like that, some can pull it off but it lacks the fundamentals for bass. Metal based guitar all sounds like Eddie Van Halen to me after a while, caused me to look into other kinds of music for a while because some of this is kind of one dimensional really, if all you do is tapping and shredding.. I still enjoy some heavy music every now and then, I'd rather be grooving though, like Ray Charles.
Victor is a bass madman Yeah !!!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
A lot can be learned from you two...however, your devices/tools are top notch - Wall & F bass
Hey there! 🎸🎶 Thanks a bunch for the shoutout. Our trusty tools like Wal & F bass definitely add some magic to the mix however we firmly believe that you can get the double thumb thumpin' on any bass! It's all about the technique dude! 🙌🏻
Dang that was fun , glad it wasent tape or I'd burn a hole through it trying to learn it! 😅 THANK YOU!
🤣🤣🤣 So true dude!
I'm not much a Victor fan, or of double-thumbing TBH, but that is a dope-ass bassline and now I might have to actually learn the damn technique. SCREW YOU GUYS!! 😁
Nice
"Pretty Little Lady" from the Yin Yang album.
I had the all-star bass VHS with Larry Graham, Verdeen White and a bunch of other bass guys back when I was younger. I wore that tape out, along with the Flea instructional video. Starlicks Master Sessions! I just went and found mine.
Those VHS tapes were true gems of bass education! It's amazing how those classic lessons continue to inspire and shape bass players' journeys. Keep on grooving and learning!
Nice Wal bass !!
Don’t forget to lower your action bass player community! Your hands will thank you🙏🏽 Great info in this clip!
Damn, its so positive!)
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WAL Bass. ❤
Learn it Know it Love it
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It's like Bobby Vega's funky picking, without a pick!
💯💯💯
that thumb tech hurts so much at first haha but worth it to learn
Great episode. But why does nobody mention Victor's string gauge: 35 - 95, which is very very light. On 45 - 105 the double thumbing ist much more challenging. Just listen to Marcus, who has a totally different double thumbing approach.
Great shout!
Question… What’s the brand of that yellow Bass?
I loved his tone on direct flyte with cory
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻